Local Classics

Long-running standbys and regional institutions beloved by locals and visitors alike.

• Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar: Located on Southwest Boulevard, Ponak’s has been a favorite since 1975 for a reason: from margs to fried tacos and enchiladas, it never disappoints.
• Manny’s Restaurante Mexicano: Find this popular Mexican spot embedded in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District.
• Los Tules: Comfortably cozy, Los Tules is another Crossroads restaurant that specializes in no-frills fare.
• Rudy’s Tenampa Taqueria: There’s no shortage of menu items to sample at Rudy’s, a staple establishment in Westport that regularly touts live music.
• Rancho Grande Cantina: With locations in Blue Springs, Parkville and Liberty, Rancho Grande Cantina always has your back when you’re craving Mexican.
• K-Macho’s: Overland Park and Olathe’s finest is Mexican-owned and -operated, offering an excellent experience for the whole family.

A Culinary Destination

Kansas City, Kansas has such an impressive assortment of Mexican restaurants that it's home to its own culinary journey: the KCK Taco Trail.

• El Camino Real: The KCK staple offers a full menu of delicious Mexican street food.
• El Pollo Rey: A local legend that dishes out wood-fired, south-of-the-border fare.
• Don Antonio’s Meat and Tortillas: A relative newcomer on the KCK Mexican scene, Don Antonio’s doesn’t disappoint with a fresh menu and high-quality ingredients.
• Taqueria Mexico #4: Fajitas to molcajete, the expansive offerings at Taqueria Mexico #4 mean everyone can find something satisfying.
• Burritos La Chiquita: It’s all in the name at Burritos La Chiquita, because the loaded wraps are just that tasty. 

Happy Hour

Ideal for impromptu get-togethers, such as casual meals, drinks and meetups.

• El Patron: Another Southwest Boulevard favorite, El Patron boasts excellent upper deck views and potent margaritas.
• Teocali: Soak up some rays on the rooftop patio at this bustling Mexican spot just east of Crown Center.
• Margarita’s: In business since 1985, this aptly named local Mexican chain touts a killer happy hour menu.
• Brookside Barrio: An excellent patio setup is the perfect situation for relaxing with a drink in-hand and chips & salsa on deck.

Tacos and Burritos

Ready to pick from a menu of supremely satisfying dishes? Head to these picks specializing in tacos and burritos.

• Taco Naco: The relatively new addition has drawn significant fanfare, with a vibrant restaurant space in Westport joined by locations in Overland Park and Waldo.
• Tacos Valentina: Hand-pressed corn tortillas envelop irresistible flavors—barbacoa, carne asada, mushroom tinga and more—inside Torn Label Brewing Co.
• Tiki Taco: Try crave-worthy bites on quirky 39th Street West, on Troost, or in Overland Park.
• Kansas City Taco Company: New and novel shape the menu at KC Taco Co. in the River Market. Try Thai-chili shrimp tacos, Korean pork tacos and plenty more.

• Session Taco: The funkier the flavor the better at this East Crossroads haunt that specializes in creative tacos and cocktails, making it perfect for an evening out with friends.
• Burrito Brothers: Fresh, locally sourced ingredients make up the menu items at this spot in The City Market.
• Ricos Tacos Lupe: Authentic tacos and other options located right on Southwest Boulevard.
• Dos de Oros Taqueria: Street tacos and breakfast tacos stand out on an authentic menu that also includes massive, footlong burritos.

Craft Concepts

Higher-end experiences featuring thoughtful, carefully concocted menus can be found at Jarocho Pescados Y Mariscos, where chef Carlos Falcon expertly runs the kitchen. This much-awarded Mexican seafood restaurant currently operates two metro locations.

Make a trip to Kansas City's treasured and historically Hispanic Westside neighborhood to sample Sonoran-style tortillas from Yoli Tortilleria, a James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Bakery.